Grafting , Budding Fuyu persimmon to an American persimmon rootstock

Budding a Fuyu persimmon on an American persimmon rootstock is a fascinating horticultural endeavor that combines the robust root system of the American persimmon with the desirable fruit characteristics of the Fuyu variety. Here's a detailed exploration of this process:
Understanding the Rootstock and Scion
*American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana):*
*Rootstock Characteristics:* Known for its hardiness and adaptability to a wide range of soils, the American persimmon is native to the eastern United States. It provides a strong, vigorous root system that can support the growth and development of the grafted tree.
*Growth Habits:* Typically grows to about 50 feet tall, with a spreading canopy. It's prized for its sweet-tasting, plum-sized fruits that ripen in late fall.
*Fuyu Persimmon (Diospyros kaki):*
*Scion Characteristics:* Originating from East Asia, the Fuyu persimmon is a non-astringent variety prized for its crisp texture, mild flavor, and distinctive tomato-like shape. It thrives in warmer climates and is favored for its versatility in culinary use.
Budding Process
1. *Selection of Rootstock:*
Choose a healthy, disease-resistant American persimmon rootstock of appropriate size and age (typically 1-year-old seedlings).
Ensure the rootstock is well-established and actively growing.
2. *Timing:*
Budding is ideally done during the growing season, typically in late summer when the bark slips easily and cambium layers are actively growing.
3. *Preparing the Rootstock:*
Trim the rootstock to a manageable height, leaving enough stem to work with (usually 6-12 inches above ground).
Make a T-shaped incision or a shield cut just above the ground level, ensuring not to damage the underlying wood.
4. *Collecting Scion Wood:*
Select healthy, disease-free Fuyu persimmon scion wood from the current season's growth.
Cut scion wood that is about 4-6 inches long, with at least three buds.
5. *Inserting the Scion:*
Carefully insert the scion into the incision on the rootstock, ensuring the cambium layers of both the scion and rootstock align as much as possible.
Secure the scion in place using budding rubbers or grafting tape.
6. *Aftercare:*
Protect the budding area from direct sunlight to prevent excessive drying.
Monitor for signs of successful graft union formation (typically within a few weeks to months).
Once the graft has taken, gradually remove any supporting ties or tapes.
Benefits of Grafting Fuyu onto American Persimmon
*Improved Hardiness:* Combining the hardy root system of the American persimmon with the preferred fruit qualities of Fuyu enhances overall tree resilience.
*Adaptability:* The resulting tree can tolerate a wider range of soil types and environmental conditions.
*Fruit Quality:* Enjoy the non-astringent, flavorful Fuyu persimmons, which are excellent for fresh eating, baking, and preserving.
Conclusion
Budding a Fuyu persimmon onto an American persimmon rootstock blends the best of both varieties, offering a robust tree with delicious fruit. This process requires careful attention to detail but can yield rewarding results in terms of tree health, fruit production, and landscape beauty. With proper care and maintenance, your grafted persimmon tree can thrive and provide abundant harvests for years to come.

[@viktormendes]

CREIO QUE NÃO PERCEBES NADA DISSO. SERÁ UM MILAGRE SE HOUVER BROTAÇÃO

[@KeralaRootFarm]

It worked only 50% of the time. I need to use T-bugging technique which is better in summer